Newsletter Winter 2017 edition From our Chairperson The Winter Solstice (21st June) has To avoid any misunderstanding 2. Cutting team – mowing and edg- appreciation to our dedicated and come and gone, so at least from about the duties and responsi- ing of private garden lawns and hard-working Garden Committee now on our daylight hours will bilities of the garden service staff, blowing grass cuttings off paved Members – it is truly fabulous and gradually start increasing and our please note that they are not re- areas in the private garden. rewarding to work with such com- nights will get shorter. We have sponsible for the private gardens of 3. Private gardener – available, at mitted and positive people. certainly experienced some frost a unit i.e. gardens enclosed by the a small fee, to do any garden- already and there is bound to be picket fence of a unit. To clarify, related work in a private gar- Sid has resigned as an active mem- more before the end of winter. It is the garden service staff are respon- den. Such work must be carried ber of our committee. We thank not advisable to start cutting back sible for the following: out under the supervision of the him for his positive contributions! frost-damaged and shrubs at 1. Gardening team – no work is Owner or Resident. Bookings this stage. The correct time to cut done in any private garden by for the private gardener can be Kind regards and happy back is early spring, once the dan- these staff members; they only made at Reception. gardening! ger of more frost has passed. work in common area gardens. As always, my sincere thanks and Doreen Read all about Meet the committee Antoinette’s We have composted all the com- garden in Doreen Dennehy Unit 41 5243 A BIG thank you to the following our next issue Louise (Lu) Penberthy Unit 163 5389 mon area gardens and at the begin- Owners/Residents who made Margie Lockwood Unit 133 5451 ning of September we shall be put- donations of plants, pots etc. to the Beryl Taylor Unit 161 5388 ting lawn dressing on all common Garden Committee for use in the Jim Taylor Unit 161 5388 area lawns. Also, at the beginning common areas: Thersia Tait Unit 47 5227 of September, Sonia from Efekto • Frank & Merrill Peachey – unit 67 Monica Hall Unit 436 5209 (who gave a very interesting talk • Maureen Adams – unit 51 • Harvey & Philippa Hemmingway – unit 36 Di Main Unit 57 5125 about pesticides at the recent Gar- den Tea) will give a talk on fertilis- • John & Di Main – unit 57 • Martin & Margie Lockwood – unit 133 ers. In particular she will discuss • Pieter & Yvonne Kritzinger – unit 156 what the numbers on the bags of • Rosemary Woolley – unit 129 Inside... fertiliser mean and what is needed • Alan & Lyn Sharp – unit 37 and best suited to fertilise lawns, • Brian & Angela Lawlor – unit 8 Shrubs of the Quarter 2 Garlic 3 flowers, leaves, roots etc. The date • Johan & Thersia Tait – unit 47 and time of this talk will be advised • Mary-Ann Crocker – unit 85 Village Trees 4 Seen Around / Pot ideas 5 • Antoinette Dreyer – unit360 shortly but it will be a Thursday or • Mandy Green – unit 303 Autumn Tea 6 Garden Couch / Fairies? 7 Friday morning. Tinnea Tecoma Shrubs of the Quarter barbata capensis This superb little shrub is (Cape honeysuckle or Bauhinia Plumbago related to salvias. The deli- Kaapsekanferfoelie) cate deep purple-blue flow- A glossy leaved ever- galpinii auriculata ers dangling from erect green shrub with flow- (Pride-of-De- (Cape leadwort or branches like little ornaments are this shrub’s ers pollinated by sunbirds, in pale yellow, Kaap or Vlam- blousyselbos) best feature. This multi-stemmed, woody, fiery orange, salmon or bright red from sum- van-die Vlakte) If you are more at- perennial shrub can reach a height of 3 m, mer through to midwinter. Rich in nectar, What a gorgeous tracted to the cooler but usually only achieves half that height in the flowers also attract honeybees, butter- and extremely useful shrub or scrambler. colours of blue or white, you cannot go wrong a garden. The leaves are hairy, dull to dark flies and sugarbirds. in a sunny posi- Because of the spreading nature of this easy in planting this evergreen, fast growing ram- green and paler underneath. The plant has a tion and compost these fast growing shrubs to care for plant it can be used as a screening bling shrub. The long woody stems carry long flowering period through summer with well. To create a stunning border or hedge plant, cut to form an informal hedge or left light-green leaves and terminal sprays of pale showy, deep blue or pale to dark mauve flow- interplant with plumbago, crossberry or to cover an unattractive area in the garden. blue flowers with extra-long slender flower ers centred with bright yellow stamens.While wild jasmine. As well as being easy to grow, The leathery light green leaves and bright tubes. A white variety called P. auriculata not quite free-flowering, the flowers are scat- Tecoma is drought and wind resistant. To orchid-like flowers in salmon pink to brick Alba is also widely available. Hybrids pro- tered attractively over the shrub as they are keep the plant in a neat shape, prune back red makes this one of our most beautiful ducing deep dark blue to purple flowers are borne at the ends of the many branches. T. after the autumn flowers have faded. Propa- indigenous shrubs. This fast-growing plant available at specialist garden centers. These barbatais is relatively slow growing and can gate by cuttings or lift rooted runners. can tolerate drought and wind and grows plants prefer full sun but the white variety be regarded as rare because of its extreme- well in any type of soil in full sun, but adding will tolerate shady conditions. The plants ly restricted distribution. Plant in a warm, plenty of compost will always ensure more can be clipped into a formal hedge or allow sunny or even semi-shaded position in rich, rewarding results. Bauhinia galpinii plants them to scramble over a support to form a well-drained, composted soil. The shrub can are evergreen under favourable conditions screen. Butterflies and birds are attracted also be planted in a small or medium pot for and flower from October to May. Propa- by the flowers in summer. Water in summer patios or verandas in good light conditions. gate from semi-hardwood cuttings and seed but keep the plants fairly dry in winter. Feed The plant responds well to pruning for shape soaked in hot water overnight. Once mature, regularly with slow release or organic fertil- in late winter. It propagates easily from seed, the plant will self-seed and the seedlings can izer. Propagate by lifting the rooted suckers but is best not kept too wet. Regular feeding be harvested. and replanting them in well composted soil. with both general or organic fertilizer will keep the foliage healthy and green.

Page 2 Allium Sativum MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT

Its close relatives - from colds and ‘flu, acne, hair loss, high In an effort to maintain a culture of vehicles. The council will impose strict include the Onion, blood pressure as well as heart disease and water conservation, residents should fines on transgressors. As we are now Leek, Chive and cancer. According to the National Cancer please take note of the following: in the middle of the winter please ad- Chinese Onion. Institute, garlic’s antibacterial properties The Members of the Board, Village just your irrigation systems as gardens Garlic has a history block the formation and activation of free Management and the Garden Commit- do not need the frequent watering re- spanning several radicals. tee are making an urgent appeal to each quired during the summer months. thousand years - it was known to the ancient Garlic’s sulphur compound Allicin and every resident in the Village to se- Please do not water your kikuyu lawns Egyptians and used as a food flavouring and binds breast cell receptors and prevents the riously start saving water. The grant of as the grass needs to die down for a traditional medicine. Garlic is native to Cen- action of cancer agents. Allicin is released 6 kilo litres of free water per unit every resting period during the winter. tral Asia and North-eastern Iran, but is now when the fresh clove is crushed. month will stop at the end of June 2017 cultivated world-wide. Garlic has been proved to reduce both and from the 1st of July 2017 the water Mulch your plants as it will help to retain Allium Sativum is a bulbous plant chest infections and the duration thereof. usage in the Village will be billed from moisture as well as serve as insulation to growing up to 1.2 metres in height. It pro- Daily intake of garlic greatly improves the the very first litre of water used, thus protect plants against the lower temper- duces hermaphodite non-descript flowers immune system. almost doubling the monthly water bill atures. Keep a bucket in the shower and which are pollinated by bees and other in- The active compounds in garlic can from Joburg Water. in the kitchen to catch the first flush of sects. It is easily grown and can be cultivated significantly reduce blood pressure. Please cold water to use on your plants. year round in mild climates. Propagation is note though, garlic might reduce platelet Residents should note that the cost of the by planting individual cloves close together. aggregation so people taking anticoagulant water bill is incorporated in the monthly We urge our residents to change Although the bulb or clove is most used in medication are cautioned about consuming levy, and should the account from the the manner in which they en- food preparation, the leaves and flowers are large quantities of garlic. Council exceed the budgeted amount for gage with water and to main- also edible but are milder in flavour. Garlic facilitates the formation of water, a levy adjustment would need to Culinary uses of this pungent herb bones and connective tissue, bone metab- be considered by management. tain vigilance in conserving this need no introduction. Used in baking, sauc- olising and calcium absorption due to its scarce resource. Saving water es, adding flavour to casseroles . . . the uses high content of manganese, enzymes and The water restrictions imposed by Joburg must become part of our lifestyle. are too many to mention. antioxidants. Water have only been partially lifted and The water conservation mea- Garlic contains several nutrients including This truly remarkable bulb should the watering times on an annual basis sures implemented as a result of vitamin B6 and C, and the dietary minerals be a must in our daily nutritional intake. remain before 8am and after 4pm manganese and phosphorus, thiamine, pan- On a lighter note, people say one from 1 April to 31 August and be- the restrictions must become the totheric acid, calcium, iron and zinc. The never gets a cold if you consume vast quan- fore 6am and after 6pm during the norm in our Village. composition of raw garlic is 59% water, 33% tities of garlic - that’s because no-one dares period 1 September to 31 March. carbohydrates, 6% protein, 2% dietary fibre to come near ! It depends on each and every and less than 1% fat. Garlic has great ben- All residents are prohibited from using a resident to ensure that our taps efits to general health hose-pipe connected to municipal water Page 3 to clean paved areas, driveways and do not run dry in the near future. The Garden Committee spearheads with several initiatives to raise money. The funds received are used to plant trees in the common areas of the Village. The trees are Our TREES small at the moment, so let us show you what they will look like in a couple of years. We have planted the trees depicted on this page. Warburgia salutaris used for the common cold and when inerme the . An infusion of the Eucleacrispa (Pepper-bark dried and ground the snuff is used (White milkwood or bark is reputed to dispel nightmares. (Blue guarri or tree or Peper- to clear sinuses. The bark is chewed Witmelkhout) Bloughwarrie) basboom) or the smoke from burning bark is An evergreen small Peltophorum An evergreen A slender tree inhaled to relieve chest complaints. tree with a gnarled africanum shrub or small tree from five to ten The roots and bark are also boiled and twisted stem. (Weeping wattle with a dense grey meters in height and used as a remedy against ma- The shiny dark green or Huilboom) green crown. Very small green- with aromatic laria. leaves often show A medium sized ish to yellow flowers are borne in leaves, glossy Nuxia rusty brown hairs tree with a spread- sprays from October to February. dark green above floribunda when young which ing crown. The Single seeded spherical edible fruits and dull and a (Forest elder or are lost with maturity. leaves are a dull ripen to reddish brown and finally paler green be- Bosvlier) Greenish white flow- green above and pale green below. black from April to December. The low. White or greenish flowers ap- A small to me- ers in clusters appear from January Very showy large bright yellow branches are used to beat out veld pear in April and are followed dur- dium sized tree to July and are followed by spherical flowers with crinkly petals appear fires and black rhinos browse the ing October to January by leathery with a densely fleshy fruits up to 1.2 centimeters in from September to February fol- bark and leave. The chewed ends skinned dark berries turning black leafy rounded diameter from July to January. This lowed by flat elliptical pods hang- of twigs are used as tooth brushes. when mature. The tree has long crown. Creamy species is protected in ing in dense clusters from February A dark brown dye used in basket been used medicinally and is so white fragrant flowers appear in where three specimens have been to June. The bark is used medici- weaving is obtained by boiling the much in demand amongst the Af- sprays during May to August. Fruit proclaimed National Monuments. nally in Africa to relieve stomach roots. rican peoples that many trees have capsules of about four centimeters The Post Office Tree in Mosselbay, disorders. Insects, known as spittle been destroyed. The inner bark is in length turn brown when mature the in Woodstock, Cape bugs occur in large numbers on the and release very fine seeds from Town where the commander of local branches during certain times of June to October. These trees make defences formally handed over the the year. They excrete almost pure a very good garden subject. Cape to the British after the battle water which drips from the branch- of Blaauwberg. The third being the es wetting the ground beneath, thus Fingo Milkwood Tree near Peddie in causing the tree to ‘weep’.

From Trees of by Keith Page 4 Coates Palgrave and Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa by Braam van Wyk and Piet van Wyk. Update your pots It might be winter, but Twisted Pots with these interesting Seen around the work never stops! finds on pinterest.com If the shoe fits plant a few!

Paint old pots with glue and roll in sand to give them new life.

Don’t get rid Top left: New rose standards in the new garden at reception. Top: Compost of your bought in bulk for planting the trees. old/rusty webber... Left: Our committee members are hands-on Plastic buckets covered in rope, involved. Right: New with some paint accents. trees and shrubs being Bottom: An old filing cabinet was planted. Plastic pot repainted after a rubber mat was covered in glued to the sides. Left: The team responsi- reclaimed ble for planting the trees. pallet wood Left: One of the large trees ready for planting. Bottom: The reception garden taking shape. Jeans faded or not fitting? Use them as planters

Spray paint any container for a striking Page 5 planter All proceeds of the function go to the purchase of trees, plants and ...to Tea or not to Tea... compost/lawn dressing for the Village.

Top: Hampers; Bottom: some of the awesome gifts Top: Veronica Flooks won our pamper hamper. sponsored by Mayford The Garden Committee’s autumn tea was a huge success. Represen- tatives from MayFord and Efecto gave an interesting talk around questions raised by the people at- tending. They also surprised ev- eryone with gifts for each person attending.

Sonja Cronje from Efecto/ Mayford giving tips and tricks for optimally maintaining plants while getting rid of pests in a safe way.

Page 6 From the Garden Couch Clever Gran Do you believe in fairies? A doctor who had been seeing an 80-year-old woman for most of Fairies live where everything is more beautiful they needed the humans to help them to keep her life finally retired. At her next than anywhere else in the world. For many years their surroundings beautiful too. checkup, the new doctor told her the Fairy population were blissfully unaware of the to bring a list of all the medicines Each Fairy was assigned to a garden that only had plight of humans and their suffering with drought that had been prescribed for her. rocks and soil and they planted one very colour- and their dismal endeavours to make their own As the doctor was looking through ful thing in each one. In this way the humans land attractive and a happy place to live in. these his eyes grew wide as he re- became aware of the potential beauty that they alized Grandma had a prescription Fiona was one of these Fairies and because she could enjoy and they began exchanging plants Grandfathers know every- for birth control pills. was so adventurous, she decided to travel to with each other and very soon their gardens were thing! another land to see how they lived. She set off, filled with colour. The Fairies were so happy that “Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are Hunter was in primary school and vis- leaving her happy family behind and travelled a their plan had worked and that the humans had birth control pills?” iting his grandfather for a few days. long way before she came to a rugged place with a been made aware that they could surround them- He’d been playing outside with the beauty of a different kind but without the colour selves with life and colour. “Yes, they help me sleep at night.” other kids, when he came into the that she was used to. There were no flowers and Most of the Fairies then went home, satisfied that house and asked, “Grandpa, what’s trees to attract birds and insects and indeed any “Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is ab- their mission had been accomplished but there that called when two people sleep in other beasts. She was very sad and decided that solutely nothing in these that could were a few who stayed behind as they had a plan the same bedroom and one is on top of she would like to change the situation for the hu- possibly help you sleep!” for a Village they had found whose residents were the other?” mans of that place. wanting to make their surroundings as beautiful His Grandpa was a little taken aback, She reached out and patted the She returned to her home as all the other gardens in the land. but he decided to tell him the truth. young doctor’s knee and said, “Yes, and told her friends of the “Well, Hunter, it’s called intercourse.” So, dear Villagers, if you get up very early every dear, I know that. humans’ plight and they all “OK,” little Hunter said, and went back morning, you may well spot one of these beauti- But every morning, I grind one up decided that they would go outside to play with the other kids. ful creatures sitting on a rock or dancing on the and mix it in the glass of orange juice back with her and help them A few minutes later he came back in leaves. Do not approach them as they are very that my 16-year-old Granddaughter to improve their situation. and said angrily, “Grandpa, it isn’t sensitive folk. Just leave them to work their mag- drinks. And believe me it definitely They took enough fairy dust called intercourse. It’s called Bunk ic in your garden. Share your knowledge and your helps me sleep at night.” with them to sprinkle around Beds!” plants and know all is well. You gotta love Grandmas! but they soon realised that “Oh, and Mom wants to talk to you.” The end

Edited by committee members. Some information from the Internet (Public Domain.)

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